We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jon Hoban a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned digital art and graphic design through a combination of formal education and hands-on experience. Attending art school in Long Beach, California, from 2006 to 2008 provided me with a solid foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and software skills. Beyond the classroom, I honed my craft by working on various freelance projects and doing an internship at Skechers shoes, experimenting with different styles, and engaging with other designers.

Looking back, I could have sped up my learning process by seeking out an entry level job in design or marketing. I also wish I had been more proactive in seeking feedback from mentors and peers. Additionally, exploring the marketing side and keeping up with industry trends from the beginning would have accelerated my growth.

The most critical skills in graphic design include a deep grasp of design principles, expertise in software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and the ability to convey ideas visually. Effective project management and flexibility are equally important, given the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the industry. Furthermore, having a solid understanding of marketing data and strong copywriting abilities can enhance and complete a designer’s skillset.

One of the main obstacles was the limited access to resources and tools at the time. While art school provided a good foundation, some aspects of design, particularly the more technical skills, required self-study and practice. I worked full-time while at school so time beyond normal homework was scarce. Additionally, the quickness of technological advancements meant that some of the software and techniques I learned became outdated immediately, requiring continuous self-education to stay current.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always been a creative person at heart. As a child, I loved drawing and painting. In elementary school during the ’80s, I would buy comic books for road trips and read each one cover to cover. However, it wasn’t until a high school video project that I realized I could turn creativity into a career. Working on that project sparked my curiosity about movies and visual storytelling. At 20, I tried producing my own independent film. When that didn’t work out, I turned to making music videos, which led me to start an indie record label. While the label didn’t succeed, it opened the door to a deeper involvement in music.

In 2002, I joined a band and became a competent bass player. I played music for three years until the band broke up. It was devastating, as I thought I had found my lifelong passion. But as one door closed, another opened. We made stickers and flyers to promote the band and our shows, and through that process, I discovered a love for graphic art. This passion led me to enroll in an art college in the Los Angeles area, where I majored in graphic design.

Fast forward to today, and those experiences have shaped me into a seasoned marketing manager and creative director. My career after art college has taken me on a diverse journey—from working as a catalog designer and print art director to a senior graphic designer specializing in digital, a creative project manager overseeing video projects, and now a marketing manager. Currently, I’m the marketing manager for Hotel McCoy, an art and music hotel that brings local culture to travelers. I’ve booked artists to paint murals on the property, organized bands, and promoted a variety of creative events, from magic shows to open mics. It’s been an incredible creative journey, and to see it all lead to this point is truly amazing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative professional is bringing ideas to life and turning them into art. Whether you’re crafting a visual story, designing something that really clicks with people, or finding a unique way to solve a problem, there’s nothing quite like knowing your creativity can inspire, connect, and even change the way people think or feel. Watching your designs come to life…whether in print, digital, or physical spaces and seeing the impact they make is seriously fulfilling. Plus, the ever-changing world of creativity means there’s always something new to learn and express, keeping things fresh and exciting. Honestly, just being a creative person is its own reward.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit, it was a turning point in my career. Like many others, I had to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. As a graphic designer, I’d spent years honing my craft, creating visually compelling designs, and bringing countless projects to life. But as the world shifted, so did the demands of the industry. I realized that to stay competitive and continue growing, I needed to pivot and broaden my skill set.

During this time, I made a strategic decision to transition into a more marketing-centric role. It wasn’t an easy choice—I’d always loved the creative process of design, and it had given me a solid foundation in my career. But after years of what I call “pixel pushing” and facing increasing competition from younger, more affordable designers, I knew it was time to evolve.

To enhance my resume and position myself for new opportunities, I refocused on project management. I took courses, sought out projects that allowed me to take on more of a leadership role, and started to see the bigger picture of how design fits into broader marketing strategies. This shift not only made me more versatile but also rekindled my passion for the work I do.

The transition wasn’t just about survival; it was about growth. I learned to appreciate the blend of creativity and strategy that comes with marketing, and I discovered a new side of my career that I hadn’t explored before. In the end, pivoting wasn’t just a necessity—it was an opportunity to redefine my career path and continue evolving in a field I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jonhoban.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhoban

Image Credits

Jon Hoban